Mandela to be laid to rest on Sunday
A somber atmosphere is expected to engulf
Qunu Village in the Eastern Cape on
Sunday during the funeral of South Africa’s
first democratically elected president and
liberation struggle icon Nelson Mandela.

P2

Mandela – who played a prominent role in
shaping the history of the country – passed
away on 5 December at his Johannesburg
home. He was 95.
Leaders of several countries and other
prominent personalities have paid
their respects to Mandela, pointing
out that the world has been left
poorer by his departure.
11 September
President Jacob Zuma also urged
the nation never to forget the
values that he stood for.
“We should not forget the
values that Madiba stood
for and sacrificed his
life for,” President
Jacob
P3 Zuma
said.
“He stood

for freedom, he fought against those who
oppressed others... He actively participated to
remove the oppressor to liberate the people of
this country,” he added.
“When our struggle came to an end, he
preached and practised reconciliation to
make those who had been fighting to forgive
one another and become one nation.”
North West Premier Thandi Modise added
her voice to the tributes – describing Mandela
as a statesman, icon, role model, unifier and
selfless servant of the people of South Africa.
“His love for humanity and children has left
us a legacy, built a monument in all of our
hearts,” she said.
News
“If there is any single Leseding
person that
has ever
touched and unified the world against
injustice… it was Madiba.”
The Premier urged South Africans to remain
united while celebrating his life with dignity,
respect and honour.
“In admiring the courage with which he
fought against illness and old age in the
past few months, we should all strive to
advance the unity and reconciliation that

COSATU demands RRT probe

eseding News

11 September

Leseding News grows bigger…

his life epitomized and respect the funeral
arrangements by the family that unselfishly
shared their father with all of us.”
Mandela was the first black South African to
hold the office, and the first elected in a fully
representative democratic election.
Most of the activities of his government were
centered on undoing the legacy of apartheid
through tackling institutionalized racism,
poverty and inequality while encouraging
racial reconciliation.
He served as the President of the ANC
from 1991 to 1997. Internationally, Mandela
was Secretary General of the Non-Aligned
Movement from 1998 to 1999.
At the time of his death, Mandela was largely
considered “the father of the nation” by South
Africans.
Within a decade after the end of his Presidency,
Mandela’s era was being widely thought of as
“a golden age of hope and harmony”

(Photo Supplied)

Farewell Tata, we will miss you

Rustenburg edition – a report on how COSATU
and other stakeholders in the Rustenburg Rapid
Transport (RRT) – are alleging corrupt practices
at the multi-billion rand project.
“This is too hard, Levy,” Neil said about the
headline.
“No, we are covered. This is our style, how we
do it,” I responded, explaining the newspaper’s
obligation to always pursue hard-hitting issues.
Next up was the issue of what angle to take on
Ricky’s investigative piece detailing the unhealthy
ablution facilities and lack of running water at
the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court. Together with
Farirayi and Ricky, we brainstormed ideas on a
proper, catchy headline.
Should we print that Ricky disguised himself and
smuggled his camera inside the courts to capture
images of the shocking state of affairs?
With the deadline fast approaching, Ricky was
accusing Farirayi of not sending his stories in time.
I intervened and assured them that we will beat the
deadline. And we did.
And here you are today reading our two editions.
Thank you Bojanala
District Municipality
and Moses Kotane
Local Municipality –
if it was not for your
commitment to support
emerging local media,
these two issues might
not have been out.
For our hard-fought
democracy
those
who toare be
their close friends
sustained it is important

to have a free and diverse media to feed into the
democratic processes and bring about fundamental
social transformation and development.
Let us continue the journey together and ensure
that our local media reflects the diversity of views
and interest within our societies, create a platform
for free and fair exchange of views resulting in a
melting pot of ideals that contribute to the building
and enhancement of a democratic development.

The news of Nelson Mandela’s passing was a years in jail by the apartheid regime, Mandela was
We thank you.
To our readers, News
we enjoyedas
putting
pages of
blow to all of us here at Leseding
it was
able to emerge with a forgiving and reconciliatory
these newspapers together – we hope you will
also
enjoy
reading
them.
Th
ese
are
your
stories,
to the entire nation.
heart. What an example and invaluable lesson this
told by your journalists – 360 degrees truth –
without fear or compromise.
is to all of us!
To the Leseding News team – Dorah, Desree,
Stephen, Eddie, Ricky, Farirayi, Zanele and Niel
Yes, he was old and frail and
his
death
was
bound
But his lesson does not end here.
People do not like to be told the truth. But I make
W hat an amazing journey it has been!
– thank you guys.
t times dangerous and daunting, but always no apologies. We must speak the truth before
I give you a day off-day - go home I am off to
xiting. From a skimpy eight page black and white we die – we are the pathfinders and we set the
to happen soon.
While at the helm of South African politics,
Buti’s for a cold beer. See you tomorrow at our
ewspaper in 2002 with only a print run of 3 000 benchmark in telling your district stories.
diary meeting.
ght to a bumper 12 page two editions full colour We will continue to do so. No matter the
Still, to receive the newseightofo’clockhis
passing as we Mandela decided to step down from his position
ewspapers with a total print run of 21 000. What challenges, as we have done for the last ten years
– we will not retreat! We will not compromise! We
journey it has been.
were preparing to complete the final Leseding as South African president before completing his
rom a one room office at number 17 Benoni will not relent! We will not equivocate, we will tell
treet to an air-conditioned office at 24 Hystek your stories and we will be heard.
News editions of the year was just too ghastly to second term – a gesture that saw him receiving a
Oh by the way, talking about relenting, we nearly
treet. What a journey it has been.
ut before you come to any conclusions, the gave up putting this edition for you a few hours
contemplate for all of us.
standing ovation from virtually all political parties
ewcomer – Niel Myburgh – did not entice us to before the deadline.
he famous Hystek Street for the trade the street is It all started in Myburgh’s office.
After all,sites
whonext
does
nottaxi
know
on that fateful day in parliament.
“Levy do
you think
thatone
we will
” asked Construction
ommonly
know for but for the businessSITE:
you knowPeople
CONSTRUCTION
walk
past
ofmake
theit,RRT
to the
rankNelson
Photo: Mandela
FARIRAYIand
KAHWEMBA
Niel. All that I could read on Niel’s face was
s better for – the business of writing newspapers.
what
he
has
done
not
only
for
South
Africa
but
for
How many leaders, let alone presidents, are able
The bright and colourful Leseding News Brits frustration… but I assured him.
The municipality said robust and on-going public The municipality said a minimum of 25% of the
“Only a few of
Levy Mokwele
we have it covered,8/19/13
” I responded.
dition you are holding today marks the beginning “Yes
RRT_Ad_200x195_FA
4:10 PM Page 1
thetoentire
world?
to step
voluntarily
the
one article
the belong
f our radical agenda to connect the Brits, Then came the issue of our page
RRTfrom
budget office
would be
spent locally, before
which will
havedown
and
thoseforthat
their factions
are part of participation and stakeholder engagement
levy@lesedingnews.co.za
Haartebeespoort
and the Moretele people with the
see their
a reinvestment
always
an integral all
partthat
of the RRT
project.
the team from the Here
taxi industry,
Phetoe.
eople of Rustenburg, Mogwase and Koster – a
was” asaidman
who came
tobeen
represent
conclusion
of
terms? of some R750-million in the
ommitment we made
in 2002 – to be a voice forof Trade Unions,
“COSATU would like to know who the main “No less than 29 external stakeholder groups, Rustenburg economy during Phase 1 alone.
ONFEDERATION
he rural people of the North West province.
is good and noble in the human spirit. It was In a world obsessed with power and greed, his was
North West province beneficiaries of the project are, and where the including organized labour have been identified “As part of our on-going quest to include as many
eseding News has,(COSATU)
of course, always in
had the
ties with
he people of this region.
e paper isfor
well-known
affected
parties as possible in shaping the RRT
through his efforts that the wheels of South a lesson in true
leadership.
has Th
called
an investigation of the
l over the North West and community journalists
project going forward, we welcome the input of
multi-billion
rand Mogwase
Rustenburg
Rapid Transport
om Marikana,
Brits, Mahikeng,
and
Africa’s
liberation
struggle
rolled
us
into
an
era
of
A
lawyer
by
profession
and an intellectual of
ther areas have told your stories in this paper.
all affected stakeholders and would therefore be
Only a few of those who are their close friends
(RRT).
With this new Brits edition and others soon to
democracy
and
liberation.
note,
Mandela
also
inspired
South
youths
more than happy to engage
withAfrican
interested parties
other
COSATU
alleges nepotism,
ome inAmong
other parts
of thecharges,
province we
wish to
xpand our coverage of the North West.
and
those
that
belong
to
their
factions
are
part
of
to
ensure
that
they
have
all
the
necessary
facts
and
corruption,
cronyism
and
exclusion
of
those
not
It is amazing that after being incarcerated for 27 to strive to attain the highest levels in terms
We all know that no local paper has written and
C

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY CMY

K

”

the team from the taxi industry...

eflectedclose
more to
on the
the corridors
developments,ofthe
trials at the municipality.
power
nd tribulations of Bojanala district people than
In a statement, the trade union said they have been
eseding News has done.
es, of excluded
course, I know
will be branded
a
in that
theI project
“except
at the time when
ghter for saying this, more so that I am wearing
we were invited to an information session with
red t-shirt.

~ Solly Phetoe

”

others.”
“We want to know who the beneficiaries on this
project are. This project is expected to reduce
unemployment for the entire Rustenburg
municipality, not for a faction of some few people
within the area,” said COSATU North West
Secretary, Solly Phetoe in a statement.
Phetoe said they have learned that even one of
the major stakeholders in the project – the taxi
industry – has been involved in factionalism.

buses which will be used in the project will be
coming from.
“We demand that 90% of the materials and buses
which will be used be procured locally, local people
must be included in the project and the rest of our
people must be consulted,” added Phetoe.
In its defense, the Rustenburg local municipality
has labeled COSATU’s allegations of corruption
and unfair labour practice as “entirely unfounded”.

and engaged with on the project over the past three
years.
“As part of this consultative approach, COSATU
was initially invited to attend an organised labour
stakeholder consultation on 14 March 2012.
“Further invitations for engagements to COSATU
were extended on 27 March 2013 and 22 May 2013
in which other organised labour also attended,”
said the municipality in a statement.

The September 11 attacks were a series
of four coordinated terrorist attacks
launched by the Islamic terrorist group alQaeda upon the United States in New York
City and the Washington, DC metropolitan
area on Tuesday, September 11, 2001.
Composite
Four passenger airliners were
hijacked by
19 al-Qaeda terrorists so they could be
flown into buildings in suicide attacks. Two of
those planes, American Airlines Flight 11 and
United Airlines Flight 175, were crashed into
the North and South towers, respectively, of
the World Trade Center complex in New York

City. Within two hours, both towers collapsed
with debris and the resulting fires causing
partial or complete collapse of all other
buildings in the WTC complex, as well as
major damage to ten other large surrounding
structures.
A third plane, American Airlines Flight 77, was
crashed into the Pentagon (the headquarters
of the United States Department of Defense),
leading to a partial collapse on its western
side. The fourth plane, United Airlines Flight
93, was targeted Washington, DC but crashed
into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania

after its passengers tried to overcome the
hijackers. In total, almost 3000 people died
in the attacks, including the 227 civilians and
19 hijackers aboard the four planes. It also
was the deadliest incident for firefighters in
the history of the United States.
Suspicion quickly fell on al-Qaeda. Although
the group’s leader, Osama bin Laden, initially
denied any involvement, in 2004 he claimed
responsibility for the attacks. Al-Qaeda and
bin Laden cited US support of Israel, the
presence of US troops in Saudi Arabia, and
sanctions against Iraq as motives for the

figures at their disposal to view the RRT project in
a more accurate light,” said the municipality.
A list made available to Leseding News this week
shows that as of the end of April, 14 out of the 15
approved sub-contractors for the construction of
the RRT - phase 1 (4.8km) were local.
Meanwhile Leseding News learned this week
that more than 22 local businesses operating
in the CBD whose business operations will be
affect by the new RRT routes intend taking
the municipality to court for lack of proper
consultation

Although reasonable efforts are made by tthe owners, directors, publishers, editors and staff thereof (all referred to as “Leseding News”), no responsibility is taken by Leseding News for any errors and/or incorrect aspects and/or misstatements in any format published herein, and whoever provides Leseding News with any information, including any editorial, advertorial and/or advertising material, in any format, indemnifies Leseding News against any claim of whatsoever
nature which may be brought against Leseding News by whoever.

attacks.
The United States responded to the attacks
by launching the War on Terror and invading
Afghanistan to depose the Taliban, which
had harbored al-Qaeda. Many countries
strengthened their anti-terrorism legislation
and expanded law enforcement powers.
Having evaded capture for years, bin Laden
was located and killed by US forces in May
2011.
The destruction of the Twin Towers and other
properties caused serious damage to the
economy of Lower Manhattan and had a
significant effect on global markets. Cleanup
of the World Trade Center site was completed
in May 2002, and the Pentagon was repaired
within a year. Numerous memorials have
been constructed,
including the National September 11
Memorial and Museum in New York, the
Pentagon Memorial, and the Flight 93
National Memorial in Pennsylvania. After a
lengthy delay, the 1776-foot-tall (541 m) One
World Trade Center was completed at the
World Trade Center site in New York City in
2013.

of education, but – in the process – to always
remember where they come from.
It is these traits that make Mandela stand out as
one of the greatest politicians and statesmen of his
era.
Through his leadership and visionary perceptions,
South Africans can be proud to have had the
privilege of having Mandela as one of their sons.
Mandela lived to the age of 95 and we must
also celebrate the finally, after leading us to
independence and beyond, he is now resting.
As we all continue reflecting on his past, let us
cherish the ideals and values he stood for during
his life time.
Let us look inwardly and consider how we can also
play a role in making our country a better place
to live in.
Farewell Tata. We will all miss you.

Run the risk
of being

noticed

Advertise in
this
spot

Call: Lesego
(014) 597
9980

Leseding News - Brits

03

11 December

“Topz” is passionate about radio
Thabo Molamu of Mahikeng came
to Letlhabile early in 2001 after
hearing that there was a local radio
to be opened.
Owing to the love of radio he has,
“Topz” – as he is affectionately known
– auditioned and got the chance to be
part of Letlhabile Community Radio
station just three months after the
station went on air.
This was after he had completed
a Radio Broadcasting Course in
Mahikeng.
“I love radio so much that I moved
from place to place to get an
opportunity to work on radio. I
was very eager to work as a music
librarian and ended up being a music

compiler as I knew that was my way
of making it to be a presenter,” said
Molamu.
He was then promoted to being a
content producer on various shows
and was sometimes a stand in
presenter.
“I knew that you had to take every
opportunity being given to you and
that is what I tell anyone who asks me
how one can make it in the industry.
“You should learn every single day
and do not let the fact that community
radios do not pay enough money
discourage you. Just concentrate on
your career,” said Molamu.
He said between 2004 and 2007
– while still at the station – he
freelanced for Trans Africa Radio in

Parktown as a sports presenter.
“What I learned at the community
radio station is that you have to take
it as a training institution and that is
why when I was given a chance to do
something new I would take it with
both hands,” said Molamu.
In 2009 he was the Technical Manager
at the station and was promoted to the
position of Programmes Manager.
Molamu said he has the experience of
presenting every show on the radio
and believes that if given a chance
to work at a national radio station,
he can do any show he is assigned to
present.
He is now a presenter for the
afternoon drive time show between
3pm and 6pm.

Riaan dancing his way to the top
The past decade
has seen an ever
growing interest
in professional
dance, both as
enter t ai n m ent
and as possible
career choices.
One
cannot
deny that hit
reality television
series has been
a catalyst for the
sudden spotlight
on dance.
Nigel
Lythgoe
started
the
movement with
his hit reality
series: “So you
think you can
Dance”. It was
TALENTED: Riaan Potgieter.
soon followed by
(PHOTO: SUPPLIED)
a maze of Reality
Dance shows showcasing every conceivable style of dance from
ballet to Hip Hop and even Pole Dancing.
Even with all this positive publicity, it is still very difficult for
a young man in South Africa to do ballet. Apart from the
obvious physical difficulties, a young male ballet dancer is
faced with endless teasing and often bullying.
Western society, unfortunately, has adopted a very negative
view of male ballet dancers since the 19th century. They are
often viewed as weak, effeminate and soft. This view is still
prevalent in South Africa too.
Riaan Potgieter however, is the complete opposite – masculine,
strong, confident and yet very humble.
With his dark hair and eyes, the young, good looking Riaan
reminds one of the legendary Eduard Greyling, who partnered
Phyllis Spyra for 17 years.

But this 15 year old is still at the beginning of a very promising
career. In fact, he only started ballet a year ago at the Jennifer
Peterson School of Ballet.
When asked why he chose ballet, Riaan smiles shyly before
responding: “The girls love it”.
While taking classes in HipHop and Freestyle dancing, Riaan
saw a ballet performance and immediately knew that ballet was
his future.
“It was so beautiful and graceful, but still strong.”
He works very hard both at the Ballet studio and at home and
has grown tremendously as a dancer.
“He is a brilliant student and responds readily to corrections.
He is always eager to improve,” Jennifer said.
“Riaan is strong, well turned out, flexible, yet very graceful. He
has wonderful talent and the discipline it takes to get to the top.
He has the perfect body type for a male dancer which makes
training easier”.
Apart from his physical facility for dance, he has an artistic
quality far beyond his age group.
As he leaps into the air he gives one the feeling of freedom,
flying effortlessly and landing softly and securely.
“His feet are very well arched, and surprising extension for one
year of training. What is most impressive about this young
man however is his absolute dedication and determination to
succeed”
Riaan enjoys the full support of his family and friends.
Although he has faced some teasing at school, he believes it
will only make him a better and stronger dancer.
Ballet has become his passion but he still continues training
in hiphop and Freestyle dance. He is testimony to the fact
that the negative stereotyping associated with male dancers is
unfounded and simply not true.
Parents should encourage their children to dance. Especially
the boys. Dancing, as an exercise, is a great full out mind and
body workout.
It will make your body and soul feel good in a way that no
other exercise can. It can assist you in losing weight, strengthen
and tone your body, increase stamina and flexibility, improve
balance and posture, and produce an all round healthier you.

RADIO MAN: Topz

LESEDING GIRL OF
THE WEEK

Meet 22-year-old Hailly Tshunke Muchanga, our stunning girl of the
week.
Hailly comes from Ledig – near Sun City – and is studying financial
management at Mankwe FET in Mogwase.
An ambitious lady, she is aiming to become one of the cover girls of a
major magazine in the not too distant future.
Besides her modelling aspirations, Hailly works at Four Tops Engineering.
She is truly a combination of beauty and brains.
Models aged between 17 and 28, who are interested in appearing in this
space are requested to phone Rapula Mancai on 073 970 9671.

04

11 December

Leseding News - Brits

Leseding News - Brits

11 December

Bojanala Platinum District Municipality
End of Year Message
The year 2013 saw Bojanala Platinum District Municipality once again playing a key role in
the various development projects within the five local municipalities under our jurisdiction.
We achieved a number of successes in ensuring a clean, safe and healthy environment,
universal access to quality, affordable and reliable municipal services (e.g. water, sanitation,
electricity, refuse removal, transportation) as well as regular investment in infrastructure
and productive equipment
With many challenges still lying ahead, let us all work hard and play our part as residents
to ensure that 2014 will become a year where we can continue to work towards the
improvement of our society.
We can do more as communities, organizations, families and individuals for the common
good.
We must all work tirelessly together towards the advancement of our objectives which
include education, health and creation of employment through various projects.
As we travel on the roads to enjoy the holidays with our families and friends, let us observe
the rules of the road. To all the drivers, please do not drink and drive.
Arrive Alive, your family, friends and your country needs you.
We recently completed the 16 Days of No Violence Against Women and Children
programme and let us all cherish these values as we strive towards the creation of a more
equal society.
The Bojanala Platinum District Municipality wishes you all a peaceful and enjoyable festive
season and a prosperous 2014.
Councillor Louis Diremelo, Executive Mayor of Bojanala Platinum District Municipality

05

06

11 December

Enjoy the convenience of extended
festive shopping hours from
13 to 24 December 2013.

www.morulengmall.co.za

Leseding News - Brits

Leseding News - Brits

11 December

07

08

Leseding
11 December

Sport
Sporting fraternity
honours Mandela
World football body FIFA together with local and
international sports officials and personalities
have continued to pay tribute to former South
African president Nelson Mandela who passed
away on 5 December.
Mandela, who is going to be laid to rest on Sunday
at his home village of Xunu, was well known for
his love of sports and was an amateur boxer during
his heyday.
On hearing of the news of Mandela’s passing,
FIFA ordered flags to be flown at half mast and
a minute’s silence to be observes before the next
round of international matches.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who was in Brazil for
Saturday’s draw for the 2014 World Cup, recalled
Mandela’s passion for sport.
“It is in deep mourning that I pay my respects to an
extraordinary person, probably one of the greatest
humanists of our time and a dear friend of mine:
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela,” Blatter said.
“When he was honoured and cheered by the
crowd at Johannesburg’s Soccer City stadium on
11 July 2010, it was as a man of the people, a man
of their hearts, and it was one of the most moving
moments I have ever experienced.”
Mandela’s last major appearance on the global
stage came at those 2010 World Cup finals, the
first to be hosted on African soil, when he attended
the final in Soweto to a thunderous ovation from
the 90,000-strong crowd.
“Nelson Mandela will stay in our hearts forever.
The memories of his remarkable fight against
oppression, his incredible charisma and his
positive values will live on in us and with us,” said
Blatter
South African Football Association (Safa)
President Danny Jordaan added his voice to the
global chorus of condolences to Mandela’s family.

“The association, on behalf
of the football community
in the country, wants to
send its most heartfelt
condolences to the family
of Madiba.
“The football community
will fondly remember
everything that is good
about this proud hero
of our struggle against
everything that divided
this nation,” he said.
In paying tribute
to the 95-yearold
former
statesman,
Jordaan
said
Madiba
was
responsible for
lifting the spirits
of the football
nation - from
the talks to unite
the association,
to victory at the
1996 Africa Cup
of Nations.
According
to
Jordaan, Madiba was
t h e
catalyst in South Africa’s bid for the 2010 FIFA
World Cup.
“While we had been watching Madiba’s
deteriorating health over the last year, we are all
still shocked by his passing, which will always
remain untimely as our nation still has much to
achieve.
“However, his encouragement to our players

on the field of play will forever be etched in our
collective memories.
“We call on the entire football community of our
nation to observe a moment of silence before
every match they play in honour of this hero, who
inspired our nation to achieve in our sport and to
work to emulate his example,” he said.
PSL Chairman, Dr Irvin Khoza said Mandela was
a key inspirational force: “Madiba carried a vision

Leseding News - Brits

FLASHBACK: The late
former South African
President, Nelson Madela.
(PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

guided by an inner voice to deliver our nation from
a divisive and self-destructive course of history.
“He will live forever as a motivating force for those
that seek and strive for peace and human dignity.
“Ours is a special generation that saw Madiba in
action. I am personally gratified and particularly
privileged to have known this good man, an agent
of change, a bearer of hope, and a representation of
all that is good in humanity.”